Unwrap Your Desire

OLIVIA

"Zip it up for me, please . . ." I turned my back to Lara and held my hair up so she could zip this sexy black costume I chose to wear for what I could consider the highest-paid performance I would ever do in my entire life.

I heard her sigh and the look of worry was visible on her face. But seconds passed, she then zipped my corset from the back. I wore a seductive spaghetti strap black corset. It had see-through silk, which made my black thong underwear visible. I paired it with the same-colored net stockings and a stiletto.

"Are you sure about this, Liv? You can still back out . . . you know, I can substitute for you, I'll tell Mike." I looked her in the eye and saw how uneasy she was with this situation. She really cared for me. "A man doesn't know the difference once they see a woman's naked body, especially in dim lights," she said.

I chuckled and shrugged it off.

Lara knows me well. She knew my traumatic past, my pathetic life. She knew that it would forever haunt me in my dreams if I go along with this. There's a little voice in my head saying that I should be worried about having sleepless nights as my mind will forever show me scenes of a man who tried to rape and assault me when I was fifteen.

Looking back, his actions were like an angel from heaven in front of the other orphans, every parent who visited us, including me. It was all a blatant untruth. Yet, what was happening inside the orphanage was him grooming small little girls; him looking at us like his sex toys. That place for me was hell, and I'm happy that I was no longer with them.

While here, I would say that this was my safe place; I can perform, do my job, and get paid. Though tonight would be different- I will strip in front of an old guy, and I must admit that it will trigger my traumatic incident from the past, but it looks like I have pleasures in seeing and battling my own nightmare.

I ran my fingers through my long wavy hair and leaned in front of the mirror. I put red lipstick on my pale lips, and in an instant, it became livelier. My face was colored with branded makeup that lightened up my physical appearance. It made me fiercer and beautiful, the kind of face I wanted every man to see, imprinting into their minds that Liv, the most requested "stripper," is a goddess-like woman that would fulfil all their fantasies. Knowing that fact made me feel special about my work.

"How can I refuse that three hundred thousand dollars, Lara? Even if I worked tirelessly for a year, I would never earn such a big amount of money. I only need to dance dirty and undress on stage while playing sexy, and I'll be damn free afterward.This is me winning a jackpot," I told her with excitement on my lips.

Mike, the owner of this club, approached me with an offer. I accepted the request of a filthy rich VIP customer to perform on stage. To strip in front of him but not to the extent that he will bed me. I know Mike's reputation in his nightclubs, so I believe that I'll be safe with this client. I haven't paid my rent yet, and I also need to pay my phone bills, water, electricity, and creditors that keep calling me because of unpaid loans. This will definitely help me to pay them.

In all my life, I have lived paycheck to paycheck, and at first, I was in denial that I didn't need a lot of money. But later on, I became a slave of it. As much as I wanted to escape the rat race, I didn't have any education. But once I get the payment, I plan to leave this place, probably, change my name to Lily, have a butterfly tattoo on my arm, get a nose piercing, get a huge apartment, go to school, get my degree and hopefully work in a multi-billion company.

To be honest, I don't know If those things will make me happy. Looking at my life, if only a family cared to adopt me or my biological parents dared to raise me, I know for sure that my life would have been a bit different, maybe meaningful, perhaps I could create my own beautiful dream, and I can perhaps understand my purpose.

"What if that VIP was planning to do something bad to you?" She breathed heavily and crossed her arms against her chest.

I giggled and shook my head. "That old hag signed a contract indicating that he's not allowed to bed me, so I am safe, and if all went downhill, we do have securities here. You know Mikedoesn't want to ruin his bar's reputation, right?"

"What if this triggers your–?"

I smirked, then showed that I regularly took my medications.

"It has been long forgotten, queen. My pride also won't make me rich, you know. Besides, I've been doing this job for a year now."

I then tapped her shoulder to assure her that I was okay with this, grabbed the black-colored masquerade mask, and put it on my face.

"It's showtime!" I said and then went out of the dressing room.

***

While standing in the middle of the stage while inside the cold and dark VIP room, all I could feel was numbness from my feet also; deep within me was jumping for excitement once it was all finished. I remembered the first night I started working in this bar. I was horrified at first by how women strip in front of the customers as if it was the easiest thing to do.

But eventually, when I learned to build a facade and be a go-getter, my principles and dignity were thrown away, and I finally understood why my co-workers were dragging themselves in a shithole like this- it's because they had no other options. But despite this, this is the only place where I felt safer than before. I know that there's no hope in this place for some, but if you play your cards right, then you'll secure the bag.

My VIP customer finally entered the room. Even if the light was dim red, I could see the grin forming on his lips as he sat in the golden chair in front of the stage.

"My Liv, darling . . . you look so hot tonight," he praised me and sat like a king while paying attention to me. "You gotta entertain me. You're mine for the rest of the night."

I leaned forward enough for him to see my cleavage to spice him up a bit. After all, that's my job tonight. I'll ensure that this will be worth it for his money.

"Oh, I won't fail my most charismatic customer," I sexily said and chuckled.

I saw him licking his lips while watching me intently. I snapped my fingers in the air, and the music started to play afterwards. A popular French song blasted from the speakers that made me start swaying my hips seductively.

I danced sensually and touched my body slowly to entice the old hag in front of me. By the looks of his face, he enjoyed looking at my body as I slowly touched my breast all the way up to my neck, then caressed my hair, giving him an alluring look that would blow him up.

I gradually went to him and touched his shoulders while swaying from the music. My hands were gently stroking his neck. I caught him looking at my breast, he bit his lips and licked. I chuckled and purposely shoved his face to my bust for him to feel it. I felt that he was already hard. It was time for me to tease him more. After that, I went to the stage's pole center and danced with it.

The best thing is that Lara taught me how to perform with a pole, which makes me stand out to other girls right here. I was able to master how to move naturally while my legs were snaked with it as if it was part of my body. From afar, I saw how he gulped down and drank another shot of whiskey.

Minutes passed, and his most awaited part began. Some memories were flashing right back in front of me, but I had to shake my head as I needed to focus.

I started untying the red cape I wore. I saw how his mouth formed a letter "o" when my hands reached the thin strap of my corset and slid it down my arm as I continued to dance sensually. I removed the other one and walked towards him.

I swayed and continued to perform while my right hand reached the zipper of my corset from the back. I didn't hesitate and undo it until the corset loosened and slid down the floor. Now I am only wearing my black lacy bra and thong underwear.

His hand moved and travelled on my waistline. It sent waves of horror and disgust in me, but I continued to ignore it. In just a little bit of time, I'll be closer to my biggest paycheck, so I need to endure it.

However, my hands started shaking, my eyes got blurry, and my heart started beating faster. I felt a sense of danger in my whole system.

For my final act, I sat on his lap and saw his face get blurry, but I kept going.

I leaned down and was about to kiss his cheek as part of my service, but tears fell from my eyes as I saw the headmaster's face from the orphanage smiling at me.

"Liv, you have grown up beautifully . . ."

My body felt heavy, his face coming closer to mine, and I was about to scream my heart out, but I came back to my senses when someone banged the door.

OLIVIA

A tall man appeared all of a sudden. My jaw dropped when he marched towards me and tightly held my arm. His oceanic eyes screamed of danger and cruelty as he looked at me intently. Though it looked like I was saved from a brief episode of intense anxiety and fits of terror, I got confused about how he darted his eyes on me. Perhaps he had mistaken me for someone else? But as I looked at him longer, I couldn't help but look at his physique that was built like a Greek God.

Who is he?

"Reese, what the fuck? You ruined our wedding," he retorted, which confused me.

"W-Wait. I don't know what you're talking-"

"Shut the fuck up, and I'll take you home! You better stop this bullshit," he announced and removed his coat and covered my body with it. "Let's talk once we're at home. You have some explaining to do." I saw his jaw clenched while he whispered it to my ear.

"Liv, what's going on here?" my VIP customer butted in, but before he could stand up, this Greek-God-like man in front of me punched him in a flash.

"Hey! stop it. " I yelled and was about to attend to the old hag, but I was dragged out of the room by this man whom I don't know who he was.

"G-Get off me! H-How dare you ruin my plan!" I groaned as I kept withdrawing from his grip, but hell, his hands are so big and hard that I can't remove them by swinging away.

"So this is your plan all along?" He turned to me, and I could see the rage in his eyes. I was choking back my tears as this stupid guy destroyed my plan. "I didn't know what had gotten in your mind for the past months, Reese. But I won't tolerate this behavior of yours as your fiance."

Who the hell is Reese?

"W-What a minute! W-Why do you keep calling me Reese? My name is Olivia, not Reese! And the VIP you just punched? He's supposed to pay me three hundred thousand dollars and now it's gone, thanks to you-Hey!"

The next thing I knew, he carried me like a sack of rice on his shoulder. I screamed and punched his back multiple times, but he didn't say a word.

"This is seriously a kidnapping! I'm going to report you to the police! Put me down! Lara, help!" I screamed.

I saw the securities made way for us in the exit, and we reached the parking lot and I was stunned when I saw the luxurious car. He had just opened the door. He then put me down, and his ragged breathing was so evident that I could only swallow hard, afraid that he would do something terrible to me.

"Get in!" He dangerously yelled, which made my knees jelly.

"Again, I'm Olivia, not Reese! And by the way, I need to go back to the bar. I don't know you, and you're being mistaken!" I tried not to stutter, but my heart kept beating faster. I feel like anytime I'd collapse.

"Did you hit your head on a wall? Let me remind you in case you forgot, you're my fiancee, and we're still going to marry! So stop this crap and get in!"

"What?!" My eyes widened as if that was the craziest thing I heard.

This man is truly insane. I brought up my phone and contacted Lara, but my vision got blurry, and I felt dizzy as I tried to do so. The next thing I know, someone grabbed me and felt a warm embrace.

***

I looked at the cold-blooded face of this man sitting in the driver's seat. His piercing eyes were fixated on the road, but the unknown rage was visible on his face. His jaw kept clenching, though I couldn't help but scan his beautiful face for some reason.

Despite his grumpy aura, I had to admit that he looked ravishing. I hadn't seen such a perfect face in my entire life. His lips looked so soft, pointed nose, thick eyebrows, and those ocean eyes that would definitely make all women drawn. His blonde hair has an impeccable cut, too, just like the men in Hollywood movies. But with all of these looks, he is still dumb and stupid. I can't believe that my biggest paycheck vanished in thin air because of this idiot.

In addition, what he did was still kidnapping! I massaged the bridge of my nose and glanced at the window beside me. This guy . . . I bet he's gone crazy. He insisted that I am Reese Jones even though I had already explained that my name is Olivia Miller.

Wait, is this a new scheme that I saw on TV last week? Fuck, I'm in big trouble.

"Where the hell are you taking me, Sir? I'm warning you, if ever you want to involve me in your monkey business! My father is a police officer! He will come after you and put you into jail. Do you understand?" I said with a bit of annoyance. I would be going crazy with all these scenarios whirling through my head. My phone is also useless as my phone provider cut my service. Everything adds up in my aggravation.

He didn't answer, but I know he didn't like the tone of my voice based on how he gripped the steering wheel tightly. He then suddenly touched my neck using the back of his hand.

Does he think that I'm sick? I'm speechless.

"For the nth time, I'm going to tell you this . . . I am not Reese Jones, alright? My name is Olivia Miller, and clearly, you are mistaken and kidnapping me for no reason!" I gritted my teeth and shifted my position so I could talk to him seriously. "And what you did back there in the bar ruined my reputation as the best entertainer in town. Do you know how much you owe me? That's three hundred fucking thousand dollars!"

He still didn't speak as if he didn't hear all my whines. I can see that he slowly shakes his head. I could have sworn this guy made my veins want to explode out of anger numerous times in just an hour.

"Sir, please take me back. I don't know you. I'm not Reese . . . okay, I lied. I don't have a Dad. My father is not a police officer. I don't have a family. My only hope is my work. Please, I'm begging you. Take me back to that place." I was breathing heavily, and my chest went up and down as my tears burst out. My anger, fear, and worries merged as if I thought a second I would die of catching my breath.

"Your only hope, are you seriously ill?" His voice was menacing. "Is that the reason why you escaped without any word two months ago? To work in that filthy place?"

My forehead creased as I looked at him. My fist clenched, and I could feel the raging emotions from my chest. This is probably my fate. Who am I kidding? This is what I only deserve . . . an orphan who does not deserve to escape this shithole, does not deserve to accomplish her dreams and doesn't deserve to be loved. From this moment, waves of agony washed out my hopes and aspirations. I gave up.

I returned to my senses as he drove faster and then turned right and immediately

stopped the car.

"What the hell! Do you want us to die?!" I yelled as I held my chest nervously.

He turned to me and eyed me angrily. "We're supposed to get married two months ago, Reese! You told me you love me, but you left me like a joke, and I don't know why you did that! I was losing my mind trying to find you in every place in the world only to find you working as a sex worker in that cheap bar?! Why did you even do that?"

I rolled my eyes and shook my head.

"Your mom is so worried about you! We thought someone kidnapped you, or you ran away with another guy, but it was even more surprising seeing you strip naked in front of that old man! Jesus, Reese! What on earth were you thinking? " He then scratched the back of his neck and said, "I knew it. You know what? I fucking knew it. I should not let you hang out with Paris. That motherfucker gave you drugs."

His worried face then turned to me and then he released a big sigh as his eyes went back on the road.

"First of all, I don't have a mom, okay? Even if I wanted to, I'm an orphan. I don't have a family. Second, I worked there as an entertainer, not a sex worker. It's part of my job. Lastly, whoever that Paris is, we are not pals, and she did not give me any shit, and as far as I'm concerned, it looks like you're the doper here, not me. " I then put both my hands over my face out of frustration.

"That bitch, she ruins everything. I'll call her to stop inviting you on her trips to L.A. Don't worry, Reese, everything will be alright. But I need to tell this to your mom as she is worried sick."

Looks can be deceiving indeed. At first glance, I would not expect that this gorgeous guy could be stupid as fuck. Out of frustration, I ran my fingers through my hair.

This guy is seriously stressing me out.

"We will go to your place . . ." He looked away and started the engine of the car. "I'll take you home, and we will tell this to your mom."

For some reason, instead of countering his arguments, I can't help but laugh in this situation. Like, even how many times I tried to convince him, he was dead serious telling me that I'm Reese and he will be supposed to be married to her. Whoever Reese is, she is supposed to be thankful that she has a handsome but pesky fiancee.

I burst out in laughter. His face looked confused. Just by looking at him, he no longer knew how to react. Probably, he's thinking that I need to go to rehab. Guessing the look from this idiot, he probably is.

"Give me $300,000, and I'll play your little game," I said in defeat and crossed my arms against my chest.

He shook his head,"Even the riches of Solomon, I 'll give it to you," he said and started the engine and maneuvered his car.

I scoffed and heaved a huge breath. The waves of my agony shifted to waves of hope and uncertainty. My heart pounded faster, and I can't help to remove the wide grin from my face.

OLIVIA

I could feel the cold breeze kissing every bit of my skin as we got out of his car. My eyes landed on the huge manor in front of us. It was like a Georgian manor, too old-fashioned but speaks of elegance and nobleness.

"Where are we?" I asked curiously to the handsome-yet-grumpy man standing next to me.

"At your home," he said coldly. He held my hand and dragged me without any hesitation.

"Seriously, you need to go easy on me while I'm still in control!" I hissed as we walked through the stairs.

"Your mother is waiting for us," he said when we reached the front of the double doors.

I just shrugged and rolled my eyes. Those were good words to hear only if I had a mother. I bet Reese' mother will think he's gone insane once she sees her supposed son-in-law bringing another woman into their house.

He knocked on the door and minutes passed, it was opened by a housemaid. He was still holding my hand tightly when we entered inside.

My eyes roamed around and all I could see were luxurious furniture and interiors that made the whole living room livelier, comforting and warm. The house was undeniably spacious and truly stunning. Across the living room is a grand staircase which leads to the second floor. I gazed up there and saw a woman who seemed to be in her mid 40's and was standing in the first rung of the stairs. Her hand was caressing her chest as her eyes started to get teary.

She must be Reese' mom . . . she then ran downstairs and it somehow made me nervous thinking that she might fall. I thought she would try to hit this insane man beside me but I was stunned when she ran towards me and embraced me tight.

I blinked several times, and swallowed hard when I heard her cry on my shoulder while hugging me as if she didn't want to lose me . .again.

"Oh, God! Sweetheart, where have you been all this time . . . I was so worried to death," she said in between her sobs. She then faced me and the next thing I knew was she's caressing both of my cheeks that somehow sent warmth to my spine. "I am so happy you're safe and back, Reese. Mommy missed you so much . . ." She hugged me again.

I didn't know how to react. God knows how I wanted to burst her bubble and tell her that I am not her daughter . . . that I am not Reese Jones, but something inside me slightly pity her. I don't know why.

I still don't understand why both of them are calling me Reese. Who really is she?

I didn't manage to utter a single word in front of Reese' mom. I am still confused and definitely convinced that this wasn't a prank anymore. After the emotional breakdown Reese' mom had upon seeing me, she was sent to her room with a house nurse who's in-charge with her because apparently, she's suffering from depression.

When the grumpy guy confirmed that she's already having a good rest, he then walked me to Reese' bedroom.

As soon as I entered the room, my eyes widened in disbelief. I glanced at the portraits hanging on the wall and saw a familiar face of a woman . . . my face . . .

I shook my head, trying to get a grasp of everything but I couldn't seem to understand what was happening.

Like what the hell is going on?

Reese Jones and I have the same face? How could it be possible?

I stiffened when I felt him embracing me from the back. I was about to protest but his arms were snaking my waist tightly. He buried his face on my neck, and when I felt his mint breath on my skin. A sudden wave of electrifying sting sent shivers up to my spine.

"I forgive you for everything you've done . . . whatever you've been doing, I will forget about it. Just promise me you won't leave me anymore," he whispered, almost pleading.

My forehead creased. I know I was whining to him a while ago but after seeing all Reese' pictures, it was as if my strength faded away because unanswered questions started to haunt me.

"Don't fucking run away from me, Reese." His hands traveled on my shoulders and he made me turn around so I could face him.

My brows furrowed. The rage on his face has gone. The only things I see in his eyes are sadness and desperation.

"We'll get married tomorrow. You can't escape from me. I won't allow you to leave me ever again," he uttered with finality.

To my surprise, he leaned forward and gave me a rough kiss.

***

The next day . . .

I was pacing back and forth, biting my nails as I tried to think of a good escape plan. After what happened between me and that grumpy man last night, after how he stole kisses from me and swore that he won't let me go, it became clearer to me that I was in a big mess.

My eyes darted on the telephone on the table beside Reese' bed. I immediately walked towards it and dialed Lara's cell number. If there was one only thing I am good at, that's memorizing phone numbers of the people I care about. I heard three rings on the line and then she answered the phone call.

"Lara!" I called her name as I sat on the side of the bed.

"Olive? Geez!" She exclaimed. "What happened to you last night? Mike checked the CCTV footage and told me someone has kidnapped you. I took a closer look at that man's face and figured out it was no other than Chase Maxwell!"

My forehead immediately creased. "Chase who?"

"Chase Maxwell, Olive! He's one of the most famous billionaire bachelors in the country! How did you know him? Care to tell everything because I'm freaking out here!"

"Well, I'm freaking out too, Lara. He ruined my performance last night because he thought I'm his missing fiancee." I lowered down my voice, afraid that someone might hear me from the outside.

"W-What? Fiancee? How come?"

"I don't know but I'm here in the house of that woman. Listen, you won't believe what I found out."

"I'm all ears, Liv!"

"His fiancee, Reese Jones? We have the same face! I mean . . . we're too identical and that's the reason why that man, Chase, has dragged me into this place! He thinks I'm the woman he's been looking for, Lara!" I told her as if I am becoming more hysterical right now.

I heard her gasp. "What the- are you serious?"

"I really want to think this is just a nightmare but hell, this is real. I don't understand what's going on. I haven't been able to sleep in Reese' room. Her pictures are giving me creeps." I then turned to the wall and gazed on Reese' portrait, and instantly I felt the goosebumps all over my body. "But, I have another problem."

"Another one? What is it?" Her voice sounded so concerned.

"That Chase? He said we're going to get married today!" I said and palmed my face. "He's so convinced that I am Reese, that I left him for unknown reason and now he's not going to allow me to escape anymore and will force me to a shotgun marriage. This is insane!"

"Oh my goodness, am I hearing it all right? That famous bachelor wants to marry you? You'll be an instant billionaire's wife if that's the case then!" she said in glee.

"Let me remind you that I'm not Reese Jones, for the love of God, Lara!" I rolled my eyes. How could she get so giddy with the thought of me marrying that grumpy billionaire?

She sighed. "But isn't it an opportunity you should consider, Liv? It only takes one vow and you will get your chance to escape from the rat race. Come to think of it, you will no longer need to work as a stripper. You'll have a wealthy life, and the most good-looking husband. You'll never have to worry about money, you will get anything you want-"

"Again, I'm not Reese-"

"But this might be the chance you've been waiting for, Olive. If that girl, Reese, really wanted tomarry Chase Maxwell, she should've been there to begin with. However, she's missing in action, and the only woman who gets the chance right now is no other than you."

I inhaled heavily as my chest started tightening . . . somehow, at the back of my mind, I knew Lara was right. I felt like my mind and conscience were battling against each other. My mind strongly agreed to Lara but my conscience was telling me otherwise.

"You know how impossible it is to reach a dream when you don't have the means to depend on. Liv, you only live once. Chance like this can only stumble in front of your feet once."

The memory of my younger self stealing bread in a bakery store when I was wandering on the streets flashed in my mind. It was followed by my teenager self who stood in front of the bar, and how my life changed afterwards . . . my life has changed, yes. But I had to admit that I am still at my lowest.

Silence engulfed me for a moment. If only I could see a sign that would make me decide what to do . . . something that would encourage me to go on with Lara's suggestion.

If only someone would knock on the door and tell me it's okay for me to do it . . . I was holding the telephone to my ear so tightly, and my eyes couldn't help but be teary.

"Fuck . . ." I gasped and ended the call without saying a word to my friend.

I heard two knocks on the door that made me hold back to crying. I cleared my throat and stood up. The door opened and the familiar God-like Chase Maxwell entered. Compared to last night, he looked more calm today. He was wearing a black suit that fit his body perfectly.

"Good morning," he said huskily.

I swallowed hard and just nodded at him. My eyes gazed down at the white huge box he was holding and then glanced at him curiously.

"We have to keep going, Reese. We will marry today," he said genuinely and handed me the box.

I didn't know why but I found his voice soothing . . . as if it was the sign I just asked earlier, and like he was pushing me to do it, to grab this one in a million chance.

"So, you're still going to marry me," I said with my voice on the verge of cracking.

"Yes, I will still marry you. Whatever it is that happened last night, it doesn't change what I feel for you, Reese."

Our eyes were still locked with each other. I could see the sincerity in him. I hate to admit it but it felt like Reese had missed this gem in front of me.

I inhaled and walked towards him, then tiptoed to give him a peck on his lips.

"Alright, let's get married then . . ."